Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

78. To ask the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht the status of the tourism business continuity scheme; the support distributed to key tourism businesses that are struggling during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21619/21]

Catherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is designed to support strategic tourism businesses to survive the pandemic and drive recovery.  This Scheme contributes to the fixed costs of identified tourism businesses that are not eligible for CRSS to support their survival.  Phase One was announced on 1st February by Fáilte Ireland and it provides an equitable level of payment to the CRSS for qualifying businesses and covers businesses such as tourism attractions, hop-on hop-off bus tour operators, activity providers, cruise hire companies, tourism boat operators, and caravan and camping sites.  Phase One of the Scheme closed for applications on 8th March; and Phase Two of the scheme, which focused on tourism transport, opened on 8th April. 

The administration of the Tourism Business Continuity Scheme is an operational matter for Fáilte Ireland. I have referred the Deputy's question to them for further information.  Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within ten working days.